Transforming Lives for Nearly Four Decades!

Growing Our Community

The Clubhouse Model originated in NYC in the 1940’s. It all began with a group of formerly hospitalized psychiatric patients who gathered on the steps of the Public Library as a grass roots self-help support group. Eventually, they acquired an indoor space, which they called the Clubhouse, supporting individuals in pursuing education, employment, socialization and civic engagement.

In 1988, through funding from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Venture House opened its doors, using a space in the local YMCA in Jamaica, Queens. Shortly thereafter, through funding from the State Office of Mental Health we began operating a Scattered Site Supportive Housing Program.

We were able to acquire financial support in the purchase of our current free-standing Clubhouse on Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, which earned an award for best architecture for a healthcare agency.

While serving the Queens community for several decades, we have expanded across four boroughs in New York City, opening Clubhouses in Staten Island in 2017 and in Brooklyn and the Bronx in 2024, adding additional supportive housing for Young Adults with mental health challenges.

Today, we serve over 2,500 individuals living with mental health concerns, supporting their recovery, overall well-being and quality of life.